Martin Francis Zygowicz

Martin F. Zygowicz, 97, of Camas, WA, formerly of Lansing, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 4, 2016. He was born November 11, 1918, the fifth of seven children born to Stanley and Stella Zygowicz of East Chicago, Indiana.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lillian (nee Gajda), and 7 children: Tina (Rich) Johnson, Denise (Dave) Gordon, Kathleen Zygowicz, Susan (Brent) Massey, Michele (Bernie) Stalter, Carol (Jimmy) Bailiff, and Robert Zygowicz; 4 grandchildren: Nicole Smith, Clint Gordon, Erin Massey, and Chase Stalter; 2 great grandchildren: Zoee and Xander Smith.

Preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Stella Zygowicz; brothers Bernard and Adam; sisters Sister Mary Zenobia, Celia, Frances, and Theresa.

Martin was a member of St. Stanislaus parish in East Chicago and a graduate of East Chicago Roosevelt High School class of 1936.

He proudly served in the US Army Air Corps from 1941 – 1945, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After returning from the service, Martin began his employment with Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) Research Labs in East Chicago/Whiting, IN, later in Harvey, IL. He retired from ARCO after 35 years of service.

On April 23, 1949, Martin married the love of his life Lillian and in 1951 moved to the home he built in Lansing, IL to raise his family. Upon moving to Lansing, Martin joined the St. Ann’s church parish along with the Lansing Knights of Columbus Council #3540. He remained an active member of both until moving to Camas, WA in 2013.

Martin traveled with his family on 4 – 5 week car trips visiting many of the national parks and most of the 50 states, along with an annual trip to Florida. He was bad at directions but always managed to get us to our destination in the trusty station wagon and Apache trailer.

Martin was very involved with all his children’s activities, especially the Lansing Swim Organization as an official and supporter.

Martin was a master storyteller often regaling his friends and family with vibrant accounts of growing up during the 1920’s and 30’s in the Calumet region, his service in the US Army Air Corps, and his colorful and often humorous fishing exploits.

Martin shared his lifelong passion of fishing with his children, especially his son Rob. They fished many spots in Lake Michigan along with nearby smaller lakes searching for “Mr. Big”. His love of fishing always led him back to his favorite “fishing hole” at KC lake on the Lansing Knights of Columbus property. He was locally known as the “KC bass master” and often held court there, teaching others some of his fishing secrets.

After retirement, he truly enjoyed daily bicycle riding throughout the Lansing area. During his retirement he also enjoyed numerous trips to various western states to visit his daughters and son and sons in law who had moved away from his beloved “region”. He also travelled with his wife to visit Europe and more importantly his lifelong dream, Poland.

Martin was a true gentleman and dedicated family man who always had time for his wife and children with an encouraging word or helping hand. He had a love for polka music which he would listen to on Sundays on WJOB Hammond. We will always cherish the memories we created with him. Well done, Dad, and thank you.

Services will be held at Holy Redeemer Parish, Vancouver, WA on Wednesday, May 18th at 1100am. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, OR on Thursday May 19th at 1100am.

There will be a funeral mass held in Martin’s name at St. Ann’s Church in Lansing, IL at a date to be determined.

A special thank you to his daughter Kathleen, whose home he moved into in 2013. The loving care she provided enabled him to enjoy his last years in good health, great comfort, and dignity.